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Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Certificates
Course: Specialized Network Administration (ITNA 457)
36 Documents
Students shared 36 documents in this course
University: American InterContinental University
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Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
and Digital Certificates
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system of processes, technologies, and
policies that allows the creation, storage, and distribution of digital
certificates. Digital certificates are electronic documents that
cryptographically link a public key with the identity and attributes of the
owner. Digital certificates can be used to verify the authenticity and
integrity of data and communications, as well as to provide encryption
and digital signatures1.
Digital certificates are issued by trusted entities called Certificate
Authorities (CAs). CAs are responsible for validating the identity and
attributes of the certificate applicants, issuing and renewing certificates,
and revoking certificates in case of compromise or expiration. CAs can
also issue certificates for other CAs, forming a hierarchical or distributed
trust model2.
There are different types of digital certificates for different purposes and
applications. Some of the most common types are:
Server certificates: These certificates identify a server (computer) and
contain the host name or IP address. They are used to establish secure
connections between web browsers and web servers using protocols such
as HTTPS. Server certificates can also enable other security features, such
as mutual authentication, client-side encryption, and certificate pinning2.
Client certificates: These certificates identify a client (user or device)
and contain personal or organizational information. They are used to
authenticate clients to servers or services using protocols such as SSL/TLS
or VPN. Client certificates can also enable other security features, such as
single sign-on, role-based access control, and email encryption2.
Code signing certificates: These certificates identify a software
developer or publisher and contain their name and signature. They are
used to sign executable files or scripts to ensure their origin and
integrity. Code signing certificates can also enable other security features,
such as anti-tampering, anti-reverse engineering, and anti-malware2.
Conclusion
PKI and digital certificates are essential for ensuring the security and trust
of data and communications in various domains and applications. PKI and
digital certificates involve the use of public key cryptography and digital
signatures to link public keys with identities and attributes. PKI and digital
certificates can be issued by trusted CAs using different trust models and
certificate types. PKI and digital certificates can provide various security
services, such as authentication, encryption, integrity, non-repudiation,
and digital signatures.
